How Do Microbial Communities Affect Toxic Substances?
Microbial communities can significantly influence the fate of toxic substances through processes such as biodegradation, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation. Certain bacteria and fungi possess metabolic pathways that allow them to break down complex toxic chemicals into less harmful or non-toxic forms. Conversely, some microorganisms can convert non-toxic substances into toxic metabolites, impacting environmental and human health.